ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

MISSION STATEMENT

“Anishinabek citizens, communities and the Anishinabek Nation as a whole will achieve prosperity and well-being through the active pursuit of economic opportunities. Well planned socio-economic development will support the elimination of poverty and creation of wealth, which will prove beneficial to all Canadians.”

ECONOMIC BLUEPRINT

In June 2006, the Anishinabek Nation Chiefs in Assembly passed resolution #2006/20, which called for the creation of an Anishinabek Nation Economic Strategy. The development of an Anishinabek Nation-wide strategy was described as a means to capitalize on two key opportunities: the Chiefs expressed desire to see economic development as a priority; and a federal and provincial environment supportive of the development of a regional-based strategic frameworks that would facilitate economic opportunities and partnerships. As a result the Anishinabek Nation Chiefs in Assembly directed that an Anishinabek Nation Economic Development Strategy be developed to support the Anishinabek Nation, community and individual participation in local, regional, national and international economies to generate revenue, support the creation and expansion of businesses, and to create jobs.

In order to carry out the mandate from the Chiefs in Assembly to develop a Nation-wide strategy, the Union of Ontario Indians enlisted the support of a group of experts to work on this directive and develop the Nation’s economic strategy.

The Recommendations:

1. Utilize the First Nation Progression Model as developed by the Membertou First Nation as a guide in preparing for economic development.

Step-One – Building local capacity in financial and quality management

2. First Nations within the Anishinabek Nation need to make economic development a priority.

3. Build on existing First Nation economic foundations and successes.

4. Develop a communication strategy to consistently promote the Anishinabek Nation Economic Blueprint both internally within the Anishinabek Nation and externally.

5. Seek ISO Certification to demonstrate good governance.

6. Establish and report on Community Economic Scorecard.

7. Foster a successful business environment amongst all Anishinabek people.

8. Establish an Anishinabek Nation Economic Secretariat.

9. Develop an Economic Institutional Capacity throughout the Anishinabek Nation.

10. The Anishinabek Nation Chiefs Council on the Economy will be mandated to develop positions and undertake lobbying efforts to stimulate the Anishinabek economy.

Step Two – Preparing for Economic Development

11. Develop and implement an Economic Development Strategy in each Anishinabek First Nation community.

How can I learn more about the Anishinabek Nation’s Economic Blueprint?

How can I help implement the Economic Blueprint in my own community?

The first step is to read and learn more about the specifics within the Economic Blueprint by reading through the strategy in full. From there, community members are encouraged to approach their leadership and ask how the Blueprint is being implemented within their own community and how community members can participate in their community’s developing economy.